
EUGENE TAPAHE
ARTIST & PHOTOGRAPHER
BEAUTY AND RESILIENCE
Eugene Tapahe is a contemporary artist inspired by his Diné (Navajo) traditions and modern experiences. His art reflects the beauty and resilience of Native American culture. Tapahe earned his MFA in Studio Art from Brigham Young University. Through various visual mediums, he strives to create a balance between the past and present, celebrating and honoring the identity and culture of Native Americans.
artist

ARTIST STATEMENT
I draw inspiration from my Diné (Navajo) traditions and modern experiences. My work reflects the beauty and resilience of Native American culture. I strive to unite these two worlds in my concepts while transcending worldly uncertainties.
I seek to create a soothing balance between the past and present by using subtle contrasts, natural colors, and contours. My presence in today’s world, marked by misappropriation and disconnection from the Earth, inspires my compositions, which mirror the traditional stories and philosophy of my people—to always walk in beauty.
My ideas are expressed through photography, video, printmaking, installation, and mixed-media sculpture. Through various visual mediums, I intend to celebrate and honor the identity and culture of Native Americans. Ultimately, the persona of my work offers unity, hope, and healing.
fine art
"The land where I was raised embodies the Navajo concept of hózhó, representing harmony, beauty, and balance. This connection inspires me to unite people through art and healing. I incorporate natural materials and traditional harvesting methods to preserve the spirituality of my work, navigating the space between the traditional and contemporary worlds."
events

13th International Art Competition: Lift Up the Hands Which Hang Down
CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM, SALT LAKE CITY, UT
April 24, 2025
Autry Museum American Indian Arts Festival
THE AUTRY MUSEUM, LOS ANGELES, CA
June 7-8, 2025
Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival
EITELJORG MUSEUM, INDIANAPOLIS, IN
June 28-29, 2025
Eugene Tapahe, Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project
The Monroe Gallery of Photography is honored to announce an important exhibition featuring a photography series by artist, Eugene Tapahe, titled Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project. The exhibit opens July 5, 2025, with an artist’s talk at 5:30 p.m. It will continue during the renowned Santa Fe Indian Market weekend, the world’s largest Native American art market, August 16 and 17, and conclude on September 14, 2025.
MONROE GALLERY OF PHOTOGRAPHY, SANTA FE, NM
July 5 to September 14, 2025
contact
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Tel: 801.367.2524